Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed grave concerns on Saturday over the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, warning that Pakistan cannot afford the conflict to spiral into another Iraq-like war or trigger World War III.
The statement comes amid reports of fresh Israeli strikes inside Iran, with Tel Aviv threatening that “Tehran will burn” following Iran’s missile barrage in retaliation for an earlier Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities, which killed several top Iranian generals.
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According to Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, nearly 80 people, including high-ranking military officials, were killed in Israeli strikes, while over 300 civilians were wounded in attacks targeting military sites and residential areas.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Bilawal emphasized Pakistan’s stance against further conflict, stating, “We certainly do not want a war on this border (with Iran). Pakistan has condemned the recent strikes on our neighboring country.”
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, saying, “We will continue to advocate for stability on all our borders—whether with Afghanistan, Iran, or India. We absolutely cannot allow this conflict in Iran to turn into another Iraq or escalate into World War III.”
Bilawal criticized the growing normalization of war, stating that it had become “far too easy to have a war every month” and lamented that military confrontation had become the “default setting” in global disputes.
He called on the international community to “immediately impose a ceasefire in this Iranian conflict with occupying forces in Palestine” and stressed, “We cannot have perpetual war. It serves none of our interests.”
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Outreach
Earlier this month, Pakistan launched a global diplomatic campaign to present its perspective on regional conflicts, including tensions with India, and counter what it calls “unproven allegations” from New Delhi. A high-level delegation, including former foreign ministers Bilawal, Hina Rabbani Khar, and Khurram Dastgir, along with senators and diplomats, has been engaging with international stakeholders in the US, UK, and now Brussels.
Pakistan Stands with Iran: Khawaja Asif
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif affirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran, stating that Islamabad would “safeguard Iran’s interests” amid the ongoing hostilities. Speaking in Parliament, Asif condemned the Israeli attack on Iran, describing it as an assault on a “neighbor and fraternal country.”
He urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene an emergency meeting to demonstrate Muslim unity and reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing policy of non-recognition of Israel. “Pakistan will stand by Iran at all international forums, including the United Nations,” Asif declared.
The statements highlight Pakistan’s efforts to prevent further regional instability while reinforcing its diplomatic alliances in the Muslim world.
